Dillon concert benefits beloved musician, storyteller

Special to the Daily/Timothy Faust
Local musicians unite tonight at Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Dillon to perform a benefit concert for longtime local favorite storyteller and songwriter Leon Joseph Littlebird.

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It's going to be a who's who of Summit County musicians tonight at Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Dillon, as local talent unites for a concert to benefit Leon Joseph Littlebird. A native Coloradan of pioneer and Native American heritage, Littlebird has long shared his stories and songs of life in the early West. After undergoing aggressive chemotherapy 17 years ago, he was rediagnosed with leukemia four years ago, and in the last six months his condition has deteriorated. Tonight's benefit features music from Moe Dixon, Arnie J. Green, Len Rhodes, The Pine Beatles, Dewey Paul Moffit, John Truscelli and Jeff Shook. Krystal 93's Tom Fricke will be Master of Ceremonies. "The lineup is the top-draw musicians here in Summit and this is the first time they have all been onstage at the same time together," Littlebird said. The event is produced by Summit Music and Arts, with Len Rhodes - the pianist, keyboardist and music director for Lord of the Mountains - at the helm. "The people at Lord of the Mountains have been phenomenal," Littlebird said. "I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and I just want to express publicly how incredible it is live in this community where we take care of each other. Truly the healing that's taking place now is fueled largely by the kindness and generosity of the people in this community.""I've always viewed music as a healing art and Littlebird as one of the best healers in our area," Moffit said. "He has done so much for the community over the years, it's really an honor to perform on these events. I hope that we can add some real tangible assistance with his medical expenses."The outpouring of support has been so great, and so many musicians wanted to perform, that there will be a second benefit concert on Feb. 6 at the Goat Soup and Whiskey Tavern in Keystone featuring The Luv Brothers, Chuck Grossman, Jim Capik and others.